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Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken and Pasta

This fantastically easy recipe utilizes bottled sun-dried tomato pesto to cut your prep time.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4, 3 ounces chicken and 1 cup pasta per serving

Ingredients

1 teaspoon canola or corn oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 4 ounces each), all visible fat discarded
1/4 cup bottled sun-dried tomato pesto
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons dry red wine (regular or nonalcoholic)
1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil, crumbled
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
9 ounces refrigerated angel hair pasta (lowest fat and sodium available)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Using the package directions for the pasta, put hot tap water into a pot and bring to a boil, covering the pot so the water boils faster.

    Step 2

    In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the chicken for 2 minutes on each side.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients except the pasta. Pour over the chicken. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

    Step 4

    When the water for the pasta comes to a boil, add the pasta and cook using the package directions, omitting any salt and oil. Don’t overcook. Drain well in a colander.

    Step 5

    Serve the chicken on the pasta. Spoon the pesto sauce over all.

  2. Basil-Parmesan Pesto Chicken and Pasta

    Step 6

    Replace the sun-dried tomato pesto with basil-Parmesan pesto, the dry red wine with dry white wine, and the balsamic vinegar with lemon juice.

  3. nutrition information

    Step 7

    (Per Serving)

    Step 8

    Calories: 381

    Step 9

    Total Fat: 9.0g

    Step 10

    Saturated: 1.0g

    Step 11

    Trans: 0.0g

    Step 12

    Polyunsaturated: 0.5g

    Step 13

    Monounsaturated: 1.0g

    Step 14

    Cholesterol: 67mg

    Step 15

    Sodium: 441mg

    Step 16

    Carbohydrates: 39g

    Step 17

    Fiber: 3g

    Step 18

    Sugars: 3g

    Step 19

    Protein: 34g

    Step 20

    Dietary Exchanges

    Step 21

    2 1/2 Starch

    Step 22

    3 Lean Meat

  4. Basil-Parmesan Pesto Chicken and Pasta

    Step 23

    (Per Serving)

    Step 24

    Calories: 408

    Step 25

    Total Fat: 12.0g

    Step 26

    Saturated: 1.5g

    Step 27

    Trans: 0.0g

    Step 28

    Polyunsaturated: 0.5g

    Step 29

    Monounsaturated: 1.0g

    Step 30

    Cholesterol: 70mg

    Step 31

    Sodium: 483mg

    Step 32

    Carbohydrates: 37g

    Step 33

    Fiber: 3g

    Step 34

    Sugars: 3g

    Step 35

    Protein: 35g

    Step 36

    Dietary Exchanges

    Step 37

    2 1/2 Starch

    Step 38

    3 Lean Meat

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